GE 92696 CMH20/TC/U/830 G8.5

The GE 92696 ConstantColor PulseArc CMH-TC 20W G8.5 is a premium 20W pulse-start ceramic metal halide lamp engineered for compact retail display, gallery accent, and architectural lighting applications requiring warm white color quality in a G8.5 bi-pin base format. Delivering 1,650 initial lumens of 3000K warm white output at 81 CRI through a G8.5 bi-pin base with a T4.5 clear envelope and 30mm light center length, this ANSI M156-rated ConstantColor CMH lamp provides a 12,000-hour rated service life on compatible electronic ballasts.

ADL Supply Expert Application & Replacement Guide

The GE 92696 ConstantColor PulseArc CMH-TC 20W is specified by lighting designers and electrical contractors for compact CMH downlights, retail display track heads, gallery accent fixtures, and hospitality luminaires using the G8.5 base 20W CMH platform. This lamp uses a G8.5 bi-pin base (8.5mm pin spacing) — distinct from the GU6.5 twist-lock base used on the GE 85086 20W CMH variant. If your fixture uses GU6.5 twist-lock sockets, this G8.5 lamp will not seat correctly — confirm your fixture socket is specifically G8.5 push-in bi-pin before ordering. This lamp requires an ANSI M156 electronic ballast — GE recommends GE #63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV or GE #63043 GEMH20-MSF-MV as compatible ballast options. The ANSI M156 code is specific to the 20W CMH G8.5 platform and is not interchangeable with other CMH ANSI codes. The lamp must be installed in an enclosed fixture — if the outer envelope is broken or punctured while the arc tube continues to operate, the exposed arc tube emits shortwave UV radiation capable of causing serious skin burns and eye inflammation. The 30mm light center length (LCL) is a precision optical parameter for compact fixture alignment.

Before You Order

Detailed Product Specifications

• Brand: GE Lighting
• Product Line Series: ConstantColor® PulseArc CMH Ceramic Metal Halide — G8.5 T4.5
• MPN / GE Order Code: 92696
• UPC Barcode: 043168926966
• ANSI Ballast Code: M156 — Pulse-Start Electronic
• Recommended Ballasts: GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV; GE 63043 GEMH20-MSF-MV
• Core Technology: Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) — ConstantColor® T4.5 Tubular Clear
• Wattage: 20W
• Rated Lamp Voltage: 90V (supplied by ballast)
• Initial Lumens: 1,650 lm
• Color Temperature (CCT): 3000K Warm White (830)
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): 81
• Base Type Configuration: G8.5 Bi-Pin (8.5mm pin spacing) — push-in, not twist-lock
• Bulb Shape: T4.5 Tubular Clear
• Maximum Overall Length (MOL): 3.37 inches (85.6mm)
• Bulb Diameter: 0.56 inches (14.2mm)
• Light Center Length (LCL): 30mm (1.18 inches) ±2mm
• Rated Average Lifespan: 12,000 Hours
• Burn Position: Universal — Any Orientation
• Maximum Base Temperature: 250°C
• Maximum Bulb Temperature: 400°C
• UV Filter: UV filter control — enclosed fixture with additional UV shielding mandatory
• Fixture Requirement: Enclosed Only
• Mercury Content: Contains mercury — recycle per applicable regulations

Operation, Safety & Mounting Compliance

G8.5 vs GU6.5, ANSI M156 Ballast & UV Safety

The G8.5 push-in bi-pin base and the GU6.5 twist-lock base both appear in the 20W CMH lamp family — they are physically non-interchangeable, and the correct base must be verified against the fixture's socket specification before ordering. This lamp requires a pulse-start ANSI M156 electronic ballast; GE 63042 (GEMH20-MSJ-MV) and GE 63043 (GEMH20-MSF-MV) are the recommended platforms. If the lamp's outer envelope is cracked or punctured while the arc tube remains operating, the exposed arc tube will emit shortwave UV radiation that can cause serious skin burns and eye inflammation — inspect the lamp before each ignition and replace immediately if the envelope is damaged. The fixture must be enclosed and provide UV shielding at all times. Allow a standard CMH hot restart cool-down interval following any power interruption.

Mercury Content & Disposal

This lamp contains mercury and must be recycled through a certified lamp recycling program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations — do not discard in standard municipal solid waste.

Industry Cross-Reference Data

• Philips: CDM-TC 20W/830 G8.5 (equivalent 20W G8.5 CMH 3000K T4.5)
• Osram: HCI-TC 20W/830 WDL G8.5 (equivalent 20W G8.5 ceramic MH warm white)
• Sylvania: MC20T4/U/G8.5/830 (equivalent Metalarc 20W G8.5 CMH)
• GE Related: GE 85086 CMH20T/U/830/GU6.5 — same wattage/CCT but GU6.5 twist-lock base; physically incompatible socket
• Legacy Cross-Reference: Direct replacement for ANSI M156 20W G8.5 ceramic metal halide T4.5 lamp positions in compact retail display, gallery accent, and architectural downlight enclosed fixture installations

Bulk Commercial Lighting Supply & Project Support

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For formal wholesale inquiries, volume pricing modifications, or manufacturer spec sheet documentation, reach our commercial branch directly at 1-800-235-3489. We are your commercial supply partners as an authorized wholesale Lighting Distributor In Doral, Florida.